Hey everybody,
I'll try to be succinct, as this is an introduction with a purpose!
My name is Oli.
I'm living in Manchester in the UK.
I've been (trying) to practice buddhist teachings for a long-time, generally guided by the Thai Forest Tradition.
I'm about to move out of my family home for the first time (I'm quite old to be doing that...) and it's a great (potential) opportunity for to move in with people / a community that would be supportive of the development of the Buddhist 'Path'. I'd ideally like to stay living in or around Manchester.
Can anybody there point me in the right direction of where to look?! I know that there is a Triratna group locally, but I just want to try and get a good sense of what's out there in the local (ish) area. All feedback welcome! Another option would be to try and find other individuals with some commitment to practice, like myself, looking to share some kind of living space. Again, any leads / ideas of where to post would be helpful.
Peace and best wishes,
Oli.
Manchester UK like-minded associate quest!
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- Posts: 879
- Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2019 6:11 am
Re: Manchester UK like-minded associate quest!
I can think of three versions of what you're describing: 1) Actually becoming a monk and living at a temple, 2) Doing a work-study program as a lay person at a Buddhist center, and 3) Having a Buddhist practice but living in a non-Buddhist place that isn't harmful for practice. I'm not sure which one you're interested in more.
Being around like-minded people could be a wonderful blessing... or a huge headache. Even more so if you're living with people. A lot of people want a separation between their living/socializing space and their Buddhist space. So I guess it just depends on the specific factors involved. If you have very good social skills and have found that dharma friends are usually an aid, then go for it.
Being around like-minded people could be a wonderful blessing... or a huge headache. Even more so if you're living with people. A lot of people want a separation between their living/socializing space and their Buddhist space. So I guess it just depends on the specific factors involved. If you have very good social skills and have found that dharma friends are usually an aid, then go for it.
Re: Manchester UK like-minded associate quest!
Thanks for the reply.
To clarify:
I'm referring to living with other Buddhists as a lay person and it's something I'm clear about wanting to do. I'm more looking for suggestions on how to find such people who may want a co-habitant!
Thanks,
Oli
To clarify:
I'm referring to living with other Buddhists as a lay person and it's something I'm clear about wanting to do. I'm more looking for suggestions on how to find such people who may want a co-habitant!
Thanks,
Oli
Re: Manchester UK like-minded associate quest!
I would think places like Facebook and maybe meetup would be better for finding out about local groups and meetups. Also, it's likely that there are Buddhists from other schools in the area who may serve as regional contacts for their schools. So if you end up being more attracted to one sangha you know has prescence elsewhere like London, you could reach out to that branch and see if they have Manchester representatives or just sangha members. Could be large or very small groups, could be individuals.
Good shout looking for sangha though- it's a path much strengthened by our positive social connections imo.
Good shout looking for sangha though- it's a path much strengthened by our positive social connections imo.
'When thoughts arise, recognise them clearly as your teacher'— Gampopa
'When alone, examine your mind, when among others, examine your speech'.— Atisha
'When alone, examine your mind, when among others, examine your speech'.— Atisha
Re: Manchester UK like-minded associate quest!
Hello Sati12345,
I know nothing about communities in GB but nevertheless welcome you to Dharmawheel.
If you still practice the Thai Forest Tradition, our Theravada sister site https://dhammawheel.com might be interesting for you as well.
May you find a good community.
I know nothing about communities in GB but nevertheless welcome you to Dharmawheel.
If you still practice the Thai Forest Tradition, our Theravada sister site https://dhammawheel.com might be interesting for you as well.
May you find a good community.
Re: Manchester UK like-minded associate quest!
Thanks for the replies and good wishes.
Ayu - thanks for the welcome. I realised afterwards that I was at Dharma Wheel (as opposed to Dhamma Wheel)! Even so, I guess I'm just putting some feelers out there to see who might be around, if anybody knows anybody etc. I have also joined Dhamma Wheel, and sent various emails around to groups.
Vasna - thanks very much for the practical suggestions. This is essentially what I'm doing, although I don't really use Facebook so I guess I'll (reluctantly) familiarise myself with it in the interests of cultivation!
Any further suggestions welcome.
Peace,
Oli.
Ayu - thanks for the welcome. I realised afterwards that I was at Dharma Wheel (as opposed to Dhamma Wheel)! Even so, I guess I'm just putting some feelers out there to see who might be around, if anybody knows anybody etc. I have also joined Dhamma Wheel, and sent various emails around to groups.
Vasna - thanks very much for the practical suggestions. This is essentially what I'm doing, although I don't really use Facebook so I guess I'll (reluctantly) familiarise myself with it in the interests of cultivation!
Any further suggestions welcome.
Peace,
Oli.
Re: Manchester UK like-minded associate quest!
I hope it is OK with Mods to mention avoiding a certain cult with Residential Centres in most UK cities.
Residence with them may end up with a person becoming very poor and mentally unhinged.
Triratna have also had their fair share of controversy. Searching this forum and performing a general Google search should reveal how things are.
I am not a person who enjoys group practice much so don't have such residential experience to share.
It makes sense to drop into sessions before making a commitment to residence, of course, and f you find a centre you like, I'm sure someone here can offer more info and advice on it.
Residence with them may end up with a person becoming very poor and mentally unhinged.
Triratna have also had their fair share of controversy. Searching this forum and performing a general Google search should reveal how things are.
I am not a person who enjoys group practice much so don't have such residential experience to share.
It makes sense to drop into sessions before making a commitment to residence, of course, and f you find a centre you like, I'm sure someone here can offer more info and advice on it.
http://www.khyung.com ཁྲོཾ
Om Thathpurushaya Vidhmahe
Suvarna Pakshaya Dheemahe
Thanno Garuda Prachodayath
Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्)
Om Thathpurushaya Vidhmahe
Suvarna Pakshaya Dheemahe
Thanno Garuda Prachodayath
Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ (मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्)